Tuesday

Dutch appeals court upholds landmark climate change ruling | Environment | The Guardian: A court in The Hague has upheld a historic legal order on the Dutch government to accelerate carbon emissions cuts, a day after the world’s climate scientists warned that time was running out to avoid dangerous warming. Appeal court judges ruled that the severity and scope of the climate crisis demanded greenhouse gas reductions of at least 25% by 2020 – measured against 1990 levels – higher than the 17% drop planned by Mark Rutte’s liberal administration. The ruling – which was greeted with whoops and cheers in the courtroom – will put wind in the sails of a raft of similar cases being planned around the world, from Norway to New Zealand and from the UK to Uganda. Marjan Minnesma, the director of the Urgenda campaign which brought the case, called on political leaders to start fighting climate change rather than court actions.

Friday

BREAKING NEWS: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. #NobelPrize#NobelPeacePrize

It had been hiding in plain sight. The original letter — long thought lost — in which Galileo Galilei first set down his arguments against the church’s doctrine that the Sun orbits the Earth has been discovered in a misdated library catalogue in London. Its unearthing and analysis expose critical new details about the saga that led to the astronomer’s condemnation for heresy in 1633.

The seven-page letter, written to a friend on 21 December 1613 and signed “G.G.”, provides the strongest evidence yet that, at the start of his battle with the religious authorities, Galileo actively engaged in damage control and tried to spread a toned-down version of his claims.

Many copies of the letter were made, and two differing versions exist — one that was sent to the Inquisition in Rome and another with less inflammatory language. But because the original letter was assumed to be lost, it wasn’t clear whether incensed clergymen had doctored the letter to strengthen their case for heresy — something Galileo complained about to friends — or whether Galileo wrote the strong version, then decided to soften his own words.

Galileo did the editing, it seems. T﻿he newly unearthed letter is dotted with scorings-out and amendments — and handwriting analysis suggests that Galileo wrote it. He shared a copy of this softened version with a friend, claiming it was his original, and urged him to send it to the Vatican.

The letter has been in the Royal Society’s possession for at least 250 years, but escaped the notice of historians. It was rediscovered in the library there by Salvatore Ricciardo, a postdoctoral science historian at the University of Bergamo in Italy, who visited on 2 August for a different purpose, and then browsed the online catalogue.

“I thought, ‘I can’t believe that I have discovered the letter that virtually all Galileo scholars thought to be hopelessly lost,’” says Ricciardo. “It seemed even more incredible because the letter was not in an obscure library, but in the Royal Society library.”...

Galileo wrote the 1613 letter to Benedetto Castelli, a mathematician at the University of Pisa in Italy. In it, Galileo set out for the first time his arguments that scientific research should be free from theological doctrine (see ‘The Galileo affair’).

He argued that the scant references in the Bible to astronomical events should not be taken literally, because scribes had simplified these descriptions so that they could be understood by common people. Religious authorities who argued otherwise, he wrote, didn’t have the competence to judge. Most crucially, he reasoned that the heliocentric model of Earth orbiting the Sun, proposed by Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus 70 years earlier, is not actually incompatible with the Bible.

Galileo, who by then was living in Florence, wrote thousands of letters, many of which are scientific treatises. Copies of the most significant were immediately made by different readers and widely circulated. His letter to Castelli caused a storm.

Of the two versions known to survive, one is now held in the Vatican Secret Archives. This version was sent to the Inquisition in Rome on 7 February 1615, by a Dominican friar named Niccolò Lorini. Historians know that Castelli then returned Galileo’s 1613 letter to him, and that on 16 February 1615 Galileo wrote to his friend Piero Dini, a cleric in Rome, suggesting that the version Lorini had sent to the Inquisition might have been doctored. Galileo enclosed with that letter a less inflammatory version of the document, which he said was the correct one, and asked Dini to pass it on to Vatican theologians.

Thursday

The Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that teaches the Indigenous rights history that we were rarely taught. In support of the University of Toronto's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's recommendation for education on Canadian-Indigenous History as one of the steps to reconciliation, the Blanket Exercise covers 500 years of history in a one and a half hour participatory workshop.

Sunday

Evidence for Democracy (E4D) is the leading fact-driven, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization promoting the transparent use of evidence in government decision-making in Canada.

Through research, education and issue campaigns, we engage and empower the science community while cultivating public and political demand for evidence-based decision-making.

Our Work

Our issue-based campaigns tackle emerging issues affecting science and evidence-based public policy in Canada. We work with national and local partners to organize events, raise awareness, and engage the public directly with policy-makers.

Our education program puts knowledge and skills into the hands of Canada’s scientific community and the wider public. We facilitate expert panels, lectures, and documentary screenings to educate Canadians on issues concerning evidence-based decision-making. We also design and deliver original hands-on workshops providing training for communication and action to support science in Canada.

Our original research program addresses knowledge gaps at the interface of policy and evidence. We identify what works, what hasn’t, and what opportunities exist for improvement. Our critical analyses are intended for use by government, industry, NGOs and the public to strengthen the inclusion evidence-based decision-making in policy.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70

Let’s stand up for equality, justice and human dignity

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, Human Rights Day kicks off a year-long campaign to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being -- regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

Drafted by representatives of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid. While its promise is yet to be fully realized, the very fact that it has stood the test of time is testament to the enduring universality of its perennial values of equality, justice and human dignity.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.

#StandUp4HumanRights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.

Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.

Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.

Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.

Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.

Friday

Our new Online Edition launched at European Parliament - Freedom of Thought Report

Today in Brussels we launched the fifth edition of the Freedom of Thought Report. And in a huge change this year the report is no longer primarily a downloadable PDF.

We have been busy building an online system so that each country in the world now has its own individual page on this website. See the Country Index for the full list. The ratings system is database-driven so that each individual country’s rating table is interactive and links back to the full Ratings System page – where you can learn more about our innovative assessment methodology. World maps of the report’s summary findings and an open data platform are also available.

In the foreword to the 2016 edition, the newly appointed UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Dr Ahmed Shaheed, said that “narrowly defined views on religious freedom” were letting the non-religious down. He describes several of the cases covered in the report and says: “The IHEU report is an important reminder that the right to freedom from religion or belief is as fundamental as the right to freedom of religion, and that the same human right protects freedom of non-religious thought and non-religious belief as well; and that for some humanists, atheists, free-thinkers and the unconcerned the protection of this right can mean the difference between life and death.”

At the launch event today, the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) was hosted by the European Parliamentary Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief at the European Parliament in Brussels. Dennis de Jong MEP, chair of the Intergroup, welcomed the report saying “It is because of reports like this that we are able to do our jobs [as MEPs]” and “to be more vigilant”. Agreeing with the foreword by Dr Shaheed, he said that the Intergroup itslef “learned a lot from the Report” and would be raising the Report with the European Union’s External Action Service. Miltiadis Kyrkos MEP praised the IHEU’s work and the innovative methodology and development of the Report into its new online format.

Friday

The University of Toronto has notified organizers of the Toronto Nationalist Rally, in writing, that they are not permitted to use space on its campuses.

Earlier this week, the university learned the organization had indicated in a Facebook post that it would hold the rally on U of T’s downtown Toronto campus in September. The organization did not have permission to hold the event at U of T.

The university reported the erroneous claim to Facebook and followed up with a ‘cease-and-desist’ letter to the organization, requesting that it discontinue using the name of the university or any “other practices which may lead to the perception that your September 14th event is located, sponsored, hosted, or endorsed by or has any relationship to, the University of Toronto.”

The Canadian Nationalist Party subsequently sent U of T an email asking how to book space. Although no formal request was ever made, the university has told the organization in writing that U of T will not permit it to hold events on campus “because of concerns about the safety of students, faculty, staff and the public.”

The university's policy on booking space explains that the university “reserves the right to control access to its campuses, and to the use of its space and facilities.” The policy makes it clear that the use of university space must abide by U of T's principles, including freedom of expression, mutual respect and civility, and that safety concerns will be taken into consideration.

The move comes against the backdrop of violence, racism and anti-Semitism in the United States that culminated last weekend in a rally by white supremacists in Virginia that left three dead, including an anti-racism protester.

“Bigotry, hate, intolerance and violence have no place on our campuses,” President Meric Gertlersaid. “The recent use of Neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan slogans and symbols in Charlottesville, Virginia must be condemned in the strongest terms. We must be clear that this is never acceptable. At the same time, the events in Virginia have justifiably increased concern about safety in our community and elsewhere.”

Sunday

Hart house is hosting the first-ever Hart House Global Commons on March 22. Students from Sciences Po in Reims, France, and Indiana University Bloomington in Indiana, USA, will join U of T students virtually in a discussion about the rise of nationalist movements around the world. We have already heard from two U of T students and one IU Bloomington student about their involvement in this much needed global conversation, and now we turn to Sciences Po students Katarina, and Sebastian.Why did you choose to get involved? K: I was made aware of this initiative through a specific class that I am taking at Sciences Po, Citizens and Politics. I was motivated by this particular subject, in light of recent events, and wanted to understand how they came about from a practical and theoretical framework, their repercussions, and get my fellow peers’ take on the events through discussions.SM: I chose to get involved in this project because this semester I am taking three classes in political sciences, two of which focus especially on political representation.

In your opinion, how is the topic of nationalism relevant to students today?K: New nationalism is relevant to all segments of society due to the pervasiveness of the issues as well as its successful rise in prominence and power. As students from all around the world, new nationalism is a phenomenon that we will have to address from multiple standpoints and contexts.

SM: I think Nationalism is a currently relevant topic to students since it is reviving in many states around the world. Let’s think about America First, or the racist statements of Marine Le Pen in France and Matteo Salvini in Italy. As a European, I feel moreover that nationalism is nowadays strongly linked with the EU, since indeed nationalist (and many times populist) movements blame the EU as a scapegoat for contemporary economic and political issues, and advocate for the return of a more nation-centered political agenda, independent [of] international trends and institutions.

What would you say to a fellow student who was unsure about attending Global Commons?K: This conversation is a unique opportunity to exchange views between students from multiple universities and develop these views, and should therefore definitely not be missed.SM: I would tell her such a possibility […] can open her eyes concerning such a hot topic, and that it would be a unique opportunity to listen to different points of view and ideas to better understand what she thinks herself.

How do you feel about students from universities abroad getting involved? What would you ask them if you could meet them in person?K: As a student currently studying at a university not in her native country, I have seen how enriching it is to talk to students from different backgrounds as it adds much more to a conversation than simply if everyone has had the same experiences. I would ask if there is a specific way that nationalism has impacted their personal lives directly or indirectly?SM: I think that having students of different nationalities from different universities makes such a project more far-reaching and ambitious. I think that it will be really interesting to listen to other students and to understand what they think in order to better define what I think myself too. If I were to meet them in person I’d ask them why they decided to participate in this project and whether they think nationalism will gain importance and power in the future.

Friday

The Ontario Humanist Society (OHS) sends condolences to the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec yesterday. Our thoughts are not only with the victims, but also their families and friends, the Muslim community and the people of Quebec. We stand united with all who denounce this horrendous act and join in calling for unity, tolerance and respect in a time when so many try to divide us.Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, and everyone, everywhere should be free to practice their religion, or lack thereof, as they see fit, without fear of discrimination or persecution. Intolerance, fear and division are not the way forward for the human race and we must unite against any effort to promote those misguided efforts.If we all choose to live with compassion, empathy, reason and respect, we will not be divided.

The Campus
Chaplains' Association at the University of Toronto are horrified and angered by
the heartbreaking loss of life at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec City
on January 29. We express our deepest grief. As leaders of ethical and faith
communities, we are deeply saddened that a place of worship and gathering for
the Muslim community was the centre of violence.

As campus
chaplains, we understand diversity of belief and cultural background as a gift
to our community. Each of the religious and ethical groups represented by the
campus chaplains is searching for new ways to live peacefully with its
neighbours. We commit to walking the path of peace together, in solidarity with
our Muslim students, colleagues and friends. This path is a way forward, in the
hopes that we can build a loving diverse society together.

Tomorrow night, Friday February 3rd at 6:30 pm, former prisoners of conscience
Dr. Homa
Hoodfar, Mohamed Fahmy, Hamid
Ghassemi-Shall and Mostafa Azizi will be joining Alex
Neve, Amnesty International's Secretary General, along with human rights experts
and Members of Parliament for a panel in support of Saeed
Malekpour.

Saeed Malekpour is a Canadian permanent
resident originally from Iran who has been imprisoned in Iran's Evin Prison
since 2008 for creating an open source software for uploading photos to the
internet. The Iranian authorities said the program was used to upload photos to
pornographic websites, which Saeed maintains were made without his knowledge.
Amnesty International is calling for his immediate
release. Dr

Tuesday

Women's March on Washington: Toronto
Across Turtle Island (North America) we have seen a rise in acts of hate coinciding with the American election. On Saturday, January 21, join us for a march to unite our communities in Toronto and to speak out.
We come together to say we will not be silent in the face of the hate that has threatened, demonized and insulted so many of us – Muslims, Jews, racialized people, Indigenous people, migrants and those with precarious or no legal status, members of the LGBTTQQ2SI communities, differently abled people and women.
In the spirit of saying no to hate and yes to justice, equity and social change, people around the world will be mobilizing and resisting as Trump is inaugurated. The lived experiences of colonialism and anti-black racism, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, sexism and oppression has existed long before Trump, but we worry that the recent US election has provided a new wave that normalizes and makes hate acceptable.
Now is a critical moment to come together to send a united message. We cannot afford to be silent or idle. Let us continue to push for justice for the most marginalized and oppressed among us.
All allies are welcome.

For self-identified
Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, who currently or formerly identify as
woman/girl. Queer- and trans- positive space. All bodies, sizes and levels
welcome. Bring your own yoga mats. Some yoga mats available on site. No
registration required. Join us every Thursday! For details, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/events/655849014594708

Thursday

Free public lecture on January 11, 2017 from 7-9pm in Room UC 144 of University College (15 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7 ) at the University of Toronto’s St George campus

The Ethics of Immigration, by Joseph Carens
Professor of Political Science at University of Toronto
Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/349876718715460

This event is part of a weekly series of talks entitled: Vital Discussions of Human Security .
Please see www.scienceforpeace.ca/events for details on all of our upcoming events. Please see our YouTube channel for videos from past events: www.youtube.com/science4peace .

Everyone grieves in their own way.
When someone you love dies, you may feel angry, isolated, sad, guilty and
lonely. The Grief Sharing Circle is an informal drop-in support group for
students who have experienced a death of someone close to them. Facilitated by Shauna Corbin, Counsellor, Health and Wellness and Macro Mascarin, Buddhist
Chaplain. Please register at: laurie.coleman@utoronto.ca

Friday

Amnesty International Canada
Update(December 16, 2016): Thousands of people are now trapped in freezing temperatures as evacuations have stopped.

Right now, people in East Aleppo are posting their final goodbyes online as government forces gain full control of the city. Instead of being given a safe path out, they face being trapped, tortured or executed.

In a matter of hours at least 82 civilians, including children, were shot on the spot by government and allied forces who entered their homes, or at gunpoint in the streets. A tentative ceasefire has now fallen apart again.

The lives of tens of thousands of people are in the hands of the Russian and Syrian governments.

Join our urgent call for the safe evacuation of the people trapped in Aleppo and the deployment of UN monitors to protect people from harm.

This is an informal blog by the UofT Humanist Chaplains, for University of Toronto Secular, Ethical, and Humanist students and scholars, alumni, faculty and staff. We welcome comments and interaction, and you can also contact us by phone and email: see the MEET US page at the top.